August 20, 2024 | Stories and News from St. Louis Park Public Schools

Get ready, families!

I am so excited to get the 2024-25 school year started! This summer, I have had an opportunity to get to know our school community a bit better, and I have enjoyed seeing your brilliance. I have connected with families, engaged with staff, and I have had an opportunity to get to know some of our students better including the Youth Data Analysts. Each person has shown me something special about our community.

This year, our theme is "B to the Third Power: Been, Being, and Becoming."

This concept challenges us to reflect on where we have been, appreciate how we are being in the present, and envision what we are becoming.

It is through your support, involvement, and dedication that we create an environment where our students thrive. As your new superintendent, I want to share a personal commitment with you. I will listen deeply, learn continually, and ask thoughtful questions about what’s working and what isn’t. Together, we will identify opportunities for growth and improvement, ensuring that every student has the chance to reach their full potential.

I look forward to the conversations and collaborations we will have throughout this year, and I am eager to work alongside you to further our mission of excellence in education. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Here’s to a fantastic 2024-25 school year!

Superintendent Dr. Carlondrea Hines

Transportation routes will be ready Monday, August 26

Our busing is provided by Park Adam Transportation, who helps coordinate routes for students. Those routes will become available Monday, August 26.

Make sure your student is ready!

Our back to school page is full of great information for students and families including information on:

• School supply lists
• How to sign up for text alerts
• Back to school checklist
• Activities, athletics and program information
• Immunization information
• The full calendar of events

Visit Central Clinic for free student healthcare

Central Community Clinic is a free, walk-in clinic for children from birth through high school who live or go to school to public or private schools in St. Louis Park or Hopkins school districts. Central Clinic’s mission is to reduce barriers to health care for the children and youth of our community.

Need immunizations completed by the start of the school year? Visit our website for more information on when the clinic is open.

Families can qualify for tax benefits on 2024 income tax returns

Minnesota offers several credits that ease the financial burden for families, renters, homeowners, and working individuals. Please see below and learn more!

👉 Child Tax Credit

Families may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child with no limit on the number of children claimed. They can receive a refund even if they do not owe tax.

If a qualifying child is older than 17, filers may not claim them for the Child TaxCredit, but may be able to claim them for the Credit for Qualifying Older Children.

For more information, visit the Child Tax Credit webpage.

👉 Credit for Qualifying Older Children

If taxpayer has a qualifying child who is older than 17, they may be eligible for the Credit for Qualifying Older Children. 

The credit is:

• $925 for one qualifying older child
• $2,100 for two qualifying older children
• $2,500 for three or more qualifying older children

For more information, visit our Credit for Qualifying Older webpage. 

👉 Working Family Credit

Provides a tax credit for working individuals and families, helping to reduce state income taxes and increase refunds. This credit is also for working individuals whose income is below a certain level. They may receive funds even if they do not owe tax.

The credit is 4% of your earned income, up to a maximum of $350. For more information, visit our Working Family Credit webpage.

👉 K-12 Credit and Subtraction

K-12 Credit: Helps reduce taxpayers’ state income tax or provides a refund for qualifying education expenses.

K-12 Subtraction: Allows them to subtract educational expenses from your income up to:

• $1,625 per child (grades K-6)
• $2,500 per child (grades 7-12)

For more information, visit our Qualifying Expenses for the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction webpage.

👉 Property Tax Refund

Minnesota has both the Homestead Credit Refund (for Homeowners) and the Renter's Property Tax Refund. Homeowners may be eligible for a refund if their property taxes exceed a certain percentage of their income. Renters can receive a refund based on their income and the rent they pay

If you have questions on these credits or need more information, contact our outreach coordinators:

• Meiko Yang or call them at 651-556-6613
• Denise Rivera or call them at 651-556-6496
• Safiya Farah or call them at 651-556-6694

6300 Walker St. | St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Phone: 952-928-6000 | Fax: 952-928-6020